By Amanda Pevey
Elmore/Autauga News
On April 3rd, the Stanhope Elmore High School Army JROTC Mustang Battalion held their annual Award Day ceremony for the 2023-2024 school year.
The ceremony was held in the SEHS gymnasium with 125 cadets in the SEHS JROTC program.
Leadership includes, SAI (Senior Army Instructor) Col. Charles Bonasera, AI (Army Instructor), 1st Sergeant James Chambers and CDR of Troops, Cadet LTC Juliana Peralta.
At the beginning of the ceremony, last year’s Honor Company banner was removed. Replacing it at the end of the ceremony was the new Honor Company for the 2023-2024 school year. Posting of the Colors National Anthem was performed, and music was conducted by the SEHS band.
At the end of the ceremony food was served by Front Porch Grill for those that purchased food tickets.
“I commend Stanhope Elmore High School on their JROTC ceremony,” said Superintendent Richard Dennis. “It was excellent program! 1st Sgt. Chambers, and Colonel Bonasera have done an excellent job with the students and the recognitions were exciting to watch.”
1st Sergeant Chambers presented the awards along with the presenters. The SEHS FCCLA organizer Delinda Colbaugh: along with students that include Elizabeth Johnson, Emma Johnson, Savannh Wilson, Mary Grace Young and Sophia Baltzell were recognized for all of their help with the Military Ball. They each received a JROTC t-shirt. At the middle of the ceremony, the Drill Team performed. A special Lifetime Honorary Cadet Award was given to Col. (Retired) Dale Bain during the ceremony. Headquarters Company was the new recipient to receive the Honor Company banner. All cadets at the end recited the Army National Creed.
“This is a bittersweet year for me,” said 1st Sergeant Chambers. “I am excited about my retirement and moving into my next adventure BUT on the other hand I will really miss these JROTC Cadets that I’ve had the honor to help mold into the world’s next leaders!”
“I am very proud of all of the cadets and very impressed on how the program went today,” said Col. Bonasera.
For more information about the SEHS Army JROTC program, please visit their website at: https://www.mysehs.com/jrotc. You can also check out their Facebook page at: www.Facebook.com/stanhopeelmorehighschooljrotc.
ARMY JROTC CREED
I am an Army Junior ROTC Cadet.
I will always conduct myself to bring credit to my family, country, school and Corps of Cadets.
I am loyal and patriotic. I am the future of the United States of America.
I do not lie, cheat or steal and will always be accountable for my actions and deeds.
I will always practice good citizenship and patriotism.
I will work hard to improve my mind and strengthen my body.
I will seek the mantel of leadership and stand prepared to uphold the Constitution and the American way of life.
